Lavéra Refinery is investing €77m in developing a set of projects that will contribute to reducing significantly its SOx (Sulphur oxides) emissions by 50% and its NOx (Nitrogen oxides) emissions by 40%.
The first step has been reached end of February with the commissioning of the new Sulphur Recovery Unit (SRU) associated to a Tail Gas Treatment Unit (TGTU).
The construction of these new units has started in January 2010. The challenge came from the very tight space available to house the units and limited access which imposed a stringent design and construction sequence for the project engineers and those working in the surroundings. With over 150 people directly involved at peak times, the team imposed very strict Safety, Health and Environmental risk management for all works.
The new SRU and TGTU are Best Available Technologies enabling a fi nal sulphur recovery yield of 99.5%, this will cut our SOx emissions by 25%. The second project will target the refinery steam production kit but that will be another story.